“There’s never been a more important moment to work together in solving these most pressing issues and challenges facing our cities, and, as designers, really advocate for holistic solutions that address planetary health,” said Urban Design & Planning Partner Doug Voigt.

In a recent episode of the Green Urbanist Podcast, Voigt spoke with host Ross O’Ceallaigh about how the Wild Mile exemplifies the concept of “rewilding” urban ecological systems. The podcast explores sustainability and climate change through the lens of urban design. Together, Voigt and O’Ceallaigh discussed the origins of the Wild Mile, its ecological and community benefits, and how the project has inspired flood resilience efforts in the Pearl River Delta. They also emphasized the need to reimagine urban infrastructure at a larger scale.

Situated along a once-industrial section of the North Branch of the Chicago River, the Wild Mile is a mile-long interactive eco-park that creates a thriving habitat for plants, wildlife, and people. The project features floating gardens, public walkways, and kayak docks, inviting the surrounding community to engage with the Chicago River and learn about the importance of nature-based solutions.

The recently completed second phase of the Wild Mile nearly doubles the size of the urban green space, adding more plant species and trees. Created in partnership with Urban Rivers and Omni Ecosystems, this one-of-a-kind floating park strengthens neighborhood connections and supports a healthy, biodiverse ecosystem in the heart of the city.

The Wild Mile’s second phase has drawn significant media attention. Azure Magazine featured the project in its article “6 Projects Pushing the Boundaries of Sustainable Design.” The article highlights how industrial expansion in Chicago during the 1850s severely polluted the Chicago River and positions the Wild Mile as a cornerstone of ongoing restoration efforts. The project is also recognized as a living laboratory, with River Rangers collecting data on plants, wildlife, and the surrounding ecosystem.

For an in-depth look at the project’s vision and history, WBEZ Chicago recently profiled Nick Wesley, a co-founder of Urban Rivers and a driving force behind the Wild Mile. Starting as a grassroots effort, the project faced years of trial and error, complex permitting processes, and unconventional challenges. Today, the Wild Mile has become a sanctuary for native wildlife, a hub for community engagement, and a calming urban oasis. The project has earned global recognition, inspiring interest from cities worldwide and showcasing how persistence and innovative design can transform degraded urban waterways into thriving ecological and social spaces.